Novelty bags

ABSTRACT

A handbag is disclosed in which one or more timepieces may be attached to the handbag by various means. Moreover, securing mechanisms such as an inner collar, a lateral strap, and/or a closure strap may be deployed on the handbag either by themselves or in combination with the attachment of one or more timepieces.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/614,247, filed Sep. 29, 2004, entitled “HANDBAGTIMEPIECE” and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/634,941, filed Dec. 10, 2004, entitled “NOVELTY BAGS,” thedisclosures of which applications are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to handbags and in particular to handbagsadapted to accommodate attachment of a timepiece such as but not limitedto a watch.

Timepieces can be attached to some existing handbags. However, untilnow, timepieces have been attached only on a limited number of locationson the bodies of such handbags. There is a need in the art for timepieceattachments to handbags that provides greater flexibility andconvenience than is available with existing handbag timepieceattachments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the invention provides a handbag comprising abody; a handle extending from the body; and a timepiece forming part ofthe handle. According to another aspect, the invention provides ahandbag comprising: a body; a handle extending from the body; and atimepiece removably attachable to the handle. According to yet anotheraspect, the invention provides a handbag comprising: a body having atleast two ends; at least one gusset extending from each the end of thebody of the handbag; a handle having straps, each of the strapsconnected to a respective gusset of the body of the handbag viarespective connecting members; and a timepiece extending along thehandle.

According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a handbagcomprising: a handle; and a timepiece permanently affixed to the handle.According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a zipperassembly comprising: a zipper; and a timepiece connected to the zipper.

According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a handbagcomprising: a body having a selectively openable top; a part of aclosure element extending from the body; and a timepiece having at leastone strap extending from the selectively openable top and further havinganother part of the closure element, wherein the part of the closureelement and the another part of the closure element engage each otherwhen the selectively openable top is in a closed condition.

According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a handbagcomprising: a body having a selectively openable top; a closure strapextending from the selectively openable top; a timepiece coupled to atimepiece band thereby forming a timepiece assembly, wherein thetimepiece assembly is removably attachable to the closure strap.

According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a handbagcomprising: a body having a surface, at least a portion of the surfacehaving a pattern; and a timepiece attached to the body, a face of thetimepiece having a pattern that is coordinated with the pattern of thesurface of the body.

According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a handbagcomprising: a body, the body having a length extending from a first endof the body to a second end of the body; an inner collar adaptable toconnect the first end to the second end; and a timepiece forming part ofthe inner collar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of illustrating the various aspects of the invention,there are shown in the drawings forms that are presently preferred. Itbeing understood, however, that the invention is not meant to be limitedto the precise arrangements and instrumentalities described and shownherein.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a one embodiment according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of another embodiment according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of the embodiment according to FIG.2;

FIG. 2B is another side perspective view of the embodiment according toFIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another embodiment according tothe present invention;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a detail of the embodiment according FIG.3;

FIG. 4 is a front view of still another alternate embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a detail of the embodiment according FIG.4;

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of another embodiment according tothe present invention;

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of still another embodimentaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 6A is a bottom plan view of the device according to FIG. 6;

FIG. 6B is a front elevational view of a device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6C is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6D is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an end view of a portion of a handbag according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the handbag of FIG. 8 having a secured lateralstrap according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a handbag in which a timepiece completes aconnection between strap portions of an inner collar (bridal strap) ofthe handbag according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of a handbag according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the handbag of FIG. 11 having a secured innercollar according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the handbag of FIGS. 11 and 12 having a securedinner collar and a secured lateral strap according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a portion of a handbag having a timepieceattached to one strap portion of an inner collar according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15A is a plan view of a timepiece molded to a zipper pull ofhandbag 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15B is a side view of the timepiece of FIG. 15A according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a front view of a handbag having a timepiece removablyattached thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a front view of a handbag to which timepieces may beremovably attached at a plurality of possible locations according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a handbag in which a timepiece and associatedstraps form a mechanism for closing the handbag according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a front view of a handbag in which a timepiece and associatedstraps may be affixed to a closure strap for the handbag according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a handbag in which an attached timepiece facehas a dial background having a printed pattern that is coordinated witha pattern of the timepiece straps and/or with the pattern of the handbagitself according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a front view of a handbag in which an attached timepiece facehas a dial background having a printed letter pattern that cooperateswith a printed pattern on the timepiece strap and/or with the pattern ofthe handbag surface according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specificnumbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however,to one having ordinary skill in the art that the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In some instances, well-knownfeatures may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the presentinvention. Furthermore, reference in the specification to phrases suchas “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular featurestructure or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearanceof phrases such as “in one embodiment” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Herein, the term gusset can refer to a strap or strap portion which maybe permanently affixed to a body of a handbag and which may beattachable at one or more ends to another gusset, a strap, a strapportion, an attachment device, or a connecting member. Herein, a handbagcan include a handle and a body. Herein, the “body” of a handbaggenerally corresponds to that portion of the handbag in which items canbe stored and generally excludes the handle. However, in alternativeembodiments, the body of a handbag may include the handbag's handle.Further, the present invention is not limited to handbags, and otherdevices for carrying items may be within the scope of the presentinvention.

Now referring to FIG. 1, handbag 10 is shown. Handbag 10 may includebody 8 and handle 18 and may also include timepiece 20.

Now referring to FIGS. 2-2B in another embodiment handbag 10 comprisesgussets 12 and 14 and handle 18 comprises timepiece 20 and straps 22 and24. Gusset 12 further comprises an attachment device such as but notlimited to buckle 16. Strap 24 further comprises an attachment devicesuch as but not limited to buckle 26. In the embodiment according toFIGS. 2-2B timepiece 20 is a typical watch having typical straps 22 and24, and gussets 12 and 14 of handbag 10 are adapted to securely connectto each other, such as but not limited to by means of a buckle, Velcro,or other means known in the art, to form a handle 18. Gussets 12 and 14are adapted to, when not connected to each other, connect to straps 22and 24 via, for example, buckles 16 and 26 to form handle 18. Inaccordance with the FIGS. 2-2B, strap 22 is fastenable to buckle 16 andgusset 14 is fastenable to buckle 26.

Handbag 10 may comprise a plurality of gussets beyond what is shown inthe FIGs., i.e., it is understood the present invention contemplatesmultiple gussets extending from handbag 10. The number of gussetsemployed is a matter of design choice. Likewise, more than one timepiece20 can be employed and more than one handle 18 can be employed, althoughthe number of timepieces is not meant to be dependent on the number ofgussets. For example, embodiments including multiple gussets ofdiffering lengths but only one timepiece are anticipated in order toallow for handle length variations.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 3-3A timepiece 20 may be permanentlyaffixed to a handbag 10 by straps 12 and 14. In accordance with FIG. 3,connecting members 30 such as but not limited to ring, loops, squaresand the like may be made of materials such as but not limited toleather, fabric, metal, wood, plastic and the like. Connecting members30 may be employed to connect gussets 12 and 14 to straps 22 and 24,respectively. Any number of connecting members 30 may be employed.

Now referring to FIGS. 4-4A, timepiece 20 is disposed in handle 18. Forexample, handle 18 may comprise a cutout in which timepiece 20 fitssnugly. Alternatively, timepiece 20 may be affixed to handle 18 by anyknown means such as but not limited to by adhesive, stitching or thelike.

Now referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, timepiece 20 is disposed on a strap ofhandbag 10, which strap is not part of handle 18. In a preferredembodiment, timepiece 20 is disposed between straps 40 and 42 along afront side of handbag 10. Now referring to FIG. 5B, timepiece 20 furthercomprises straps 22 and 24, as in a conventional watch, and buckle 44extending from strap 24. Straps 40 and 42 are adapted to connect tostraps 22 and 24 of timepiece 20. For example, buckle 46 is disposed onstrap 42 in accordance with FIG. 5B. The buckles 44 and 46 are merelyexemplary of fastening devices that may be employed to dispose timepiece20 on handbag 20. Moreover, in other embodiments, a plurality of suchstraps and timepieces may be affixed to handbag 10.

Now referring to FIGS. 6-6D, a timepiece 20 is disposed within a ring 50which extends from handbag 10. A plurality of rings 50 at least one ofwhich contains timepiece 20 may be linked or connected to each other toform a handle 18 (not shown). Alternatively, a device comprising atleast one of the rings 50 and at least one timepiece 20 can form a strapfor use with a handbag 10 as described above with respect to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5B.

Now referring to FIG. 7, timepiece 20 is adapted to extend from a zipperpull element (zipper pull) 60. In one embodiment timepiece 20 extendsfrom a zipper pull element 60 which is engaged to a closure zipper onhandbag 10 (not shown). In an alternate embodiment the timepiece 20extends from zipper pull 60 which is engaged to a zipper that whenopened creates a double handle (not shown).

FIG. 8 is an end view of a portion of handbag 10 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Strap portion 72 of inner collar 70is also shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, strap portion 72 of innercollar 70 is on the exterior of handbag 10. However in otherembodiments, inner collar strap portion 72 could be affixed to theinterior of handbag 10.

FIG. 9 is a top view of handbag 10 having a secured lateral strap 68according to one embodiment of the present invention. Lateral strap 68can include first strap portion 62, second strap portion 64, and snap66. When lateral strap 68 is secured as shown in FIG. 9, first strapportion 62 may be attached to second strap portion 64 with snap 66.While one specific embodiment of lateral strap 68 is shown in FIG. 9, itwill be appreciated that other embodiments are possible. Lateral strap68 may be located elsewhere on handbag 10. Moreover, in otherembodiments, attachment means other than snap 66 may be employed toattach first strap portion 62 to second strap portion 64, such as, butnot limited to, buckles, strap assemblies, Velcro®, etc.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a handbag 10 in which timepiece 20 completes aconnection between strap portions 72 and 74 of inner collar 70 accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, strapportions 72 and 74 are connected to the exterior of handbag 10. It willbe appreciated that in other embodiments, inner collar 70 could beconnected without using timepiece 20 as a connecting element and can beconnected to the interior of handbag 10 (for example, see FIG. 12).

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of a handbag 10 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. It is noted that in thisembodiment, no strap portion of inner collar 70 is visible on theexterior of handbag 10. Thus, in this embodiment, strap portions 72 and74 of inner collar 70 may be affixed to interior surfaces of handbag 10.In this embodiment, one or both of inner collar 70 and lateral strap 68may be secured.

FIG. 12 is a top view of handbag 10 having a secured inner collar 70according to one embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, strap portions 72 and 74 of inner collar 70 are showndirectly connected using buckle 76 without the presence of anintervening part, such as timepiece 20 and are shown connected to theinterior of handbag 10.

FIG. 13 is a top view of handbag 10 showing both a secured inner collar70 and a secured lateral strap 68. Securing inner collar 70 alone (as inFIG. 12) or along with securing together lateral strap 68 in the mannerillustrated in FIG. 13 can provide a more compact profile for handbag10, as is shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a portion of handbag 10 having timepiece 20attached to one strap portion of inner collar 70 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, timepiece 20may be easily removed from handbag 10 by disconnecting timepiece 20 fromone or both of strap portion 72 and strap portion 74. While in theembodiment of FIG. 14, timepiece 20 is shown attached to a portion ofinner collar 70, it will be appreciated that other items havingfunctional and/or ornamental value may be connected to inner collar 70.Moreover, these other items could be external devices having a functionindependent of handbag 10 or devices forming an integral part of handbag10. Furthermore, these other items could also be attached, or located inproximity to, parts of handbag 10 other than inner collar 70.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are a plan view and a side view, respectively, of atimepiece 20 molded to a zipper pull 60 of handbag 10 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In alternative embodimentstimepiece 20 could be directly connected to zipper pull 60 by meansother than being molded thereto. Such other means may include but arenot limited to one or more clips, and/or one or more clamps.

FIG. 16 is a front view of handbag 10 having timepiece 20 removablyattached thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention.In this embodiment, handle 18 can be complete with or without theattachment of timepiece 20 thereto. Timepiece 20 and connected straps 22and 24 can be attached to handle 18 employing snaps 80 and 82. While twosnaps 80, 82 are shown in FIG. 16, fewer or more than two snaps could beemployed to attach timepiece 20 to handle 18. Moreover, timepiece 20could be connected to handle 18 without also attaching straps 22 and 24.Moreover, in alternative embodiments, attachment devices other thansnaps 80 and 82 could be employed, such as buckle assemblies, buttons,Velcro®, magnets, and strap assemblies.

FIG. 17 is a front view of handbag 10 to which timepieces 20 may beremovably attached at a plurality of possible locations according to oneembodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, timepieces 20may be attached to the various locations on handbag 20 employing snapssimilar to snaps 80 and 82 of FIG. 16. However, in alternativeembodiments, other attachment devices could be employed such as buckles,buttons, and/or Velcro®.

FIG. 18 is a front view of handbag 10 in which timepiece 20 and at leastone strap connected to timepiece 20 form a mechanism for closing handbag10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, timepiece 20 is mounted on strap 84, and strap 84 isoperative to close handbag 10 upon being secured in buckle 88. Buckle 88may be mounted on base 86. However, in alternative embodiments,attachment devices other than buckle 88 may be employed to secure strap84 and close handbag 10 such as one or more buttons, one or more snaps,one or more magnets, hook and loop connectors, and/or Velcro®.

FIG. 19 is a front view of handbag 10 in which timepiece 20 and straps92 and 94 may be affixed to closure strap 90 for handbag 10 according toone embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, timepiece 20and straps 92 and 94 can be attached to closure strap 90 via use ofsnaps 96 and 98. In alternative embodiments, other attachment devicescould be employed for this purpose such as one or more buttons, one ormore magnets, a buckle, and/or Velcro®. In this embodiment, closurestrap 90 can be operative to close handbag 10 upon being secured inbuckle 88. However, in other embodiments, as discussed in connectionwith the embodiment of FIG. 18, attachment devices other than buckle 88may be employed.

FIG. 20 is a front view of handbag 10 in which an attached timepiece 20face has a printed dial background having a pattern 106 that iscoordinated with a pattern 108 of the timepiece straps 102, 104 and/orwith a pattern 100 of the handbag itself according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, thecoordinated printed patterns are sequences of letters that spell out arecognizable word: “USA.” However, in alternative embodiments, thecoordination between the timepiece 20 face and the timepiece straps 102,104 and/or the surface of handbag 10 could include anything that createsa consistent visual pattern once timepiece 20 is affixed to handbag 10.Some illustrative examples include a cross-hatch pattern (or otherpattern) that is consistent between timepiece 20's face and the othersurfaces, a timepiece 20 face having the same color as, or a colorsimilar to, the color of straps 102, 104 and/or the surface of handbag10. As used herein, the term “consistent” is not meant to limit how thepatterns of the timepiece face and those of the handbag relate to eachother, and so an identical matching of patterns or symmetry is notrequired.

Moreover, the various surfaces could cooperate logically such as with ameaningful sequence of alphanumeric characters, of which the sequence“USA” is one example. Another logical sequence could include a logicalsequence of numerals such as “1, 2, 3”; “1, 1, 1”; and so forth. Othervariations will be apparent to those of skill in the art. It will beappreciated that pattern 106 on the face of timepiece 20 may includemore than one character. Moreover, the symbols which may be placed onthe face of timepiece 10, of straps 102, 104 and of the surface ofhandbag 10 are not limited to being alphanumeric characters.

FIG. 21 is a front view of handbag 10 in which an attached timepiece 20forms part of a word, such as, for example, MOM and/or LOVE seen in FIG.21.

While the preferred embodiments have been described and illustrated itwill be understood that changes in details and obvious undisclosedvariations might be made without departing from the spirit and principleof the invention and therefore the scope of the invention is not to beconstrued as limited to the preferred embodiments.

1. A handbag comprising: a body; a handle extending from said body; anda timepiece forming part of said handle.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said handle comprises at least one strap.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein said handle comprises two straps.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said handle is affixed to handbag via at least oneconnecting member.
 5. A handbag comprising: a body; a handle extendingfrom said body; and a timepiece removably attachable to said handle. 6.The handbag of claim 5 wherein said handle comprises at least one gussetextending from said body, and said timepiece is connected to at leastone strap, wherein said at least one gusset and said at least one strapare connected via at least one respective attachment device.
 7. Thehandbag of claim 6 wherein said at least one attachment device comprisesat least one buckle.
 8. The handbag of claim 6 wherein said at least oneattachment device comprises at least one snap.
 9. The handbag of claim 5wherein said timepiece is connected in series with at least one portionof said handle thereby forming part of said handle.
 10. The handbag ofclaim 5 wherein said timepiece is removable from said handle withoutchanging a length of said handle.
 11. A handbag comprising: a bodyhaving at least two ends; at least one gusset extending from each saidend of said body of said handbag; a handle having straps, each saidstrap connected to a respective gusset of said body of said handbag viarespective connecting members; and a timepiece extending along saidhandle.
 12. The handbag of claim 11 wherein said connecting members arerings.
 13. The handbag of claim 11 wherein said connecting members areloops.
 14. The handbag of claim 11 wherein said connecting members aresquares.
 15. A handbag comprising: a handle; and a timepiece permanentlyaffixed to said handle.
 16. The handbag of claim 15 wherein saidtimepiece is secured in a cutout in said handle of said handbag.
 17. Thehandbag of claim 15 wherein a rear surface of said timepiece is affixedto a surface of said handle.
 18. The handbag of claim 17 wherein saidtimepiece is affixed to said surface of said handle with an adhesive.19. The handbag of claim 17 wherein said timepiece is affixed to saidsurface of said handle with stitching.
 20. A zipper assembly comprising:a zipper; and a timepiece connected to said zipper.
 21. The handbag ofclaim 20 wherein said timepiece is connected to a zipper pull of saidzipper via a chain disposed between said timepiece and said zipper. 22.The handbag of claim 20 wherein said timepiece is directly connected tosaid zipper.
 23. The handbag of claim 20 wherein a back portion of saidtimepiece is molded as a zipper pull of said zipper.
 24. The handbag ofclaim 20 wherein a double handle is created when said zipper is opened.25. A handbag comprising: a body; a handle extending from said body; anda timepiece removably attachable to said handle, wherein said timepieceis removable from said handle without changing the integrity of saidhandle.
 26. The handbag of claim 25 wherein said timepiece is connectedto at least one strap thereby forming a timepiece assembly, and whereinsaid timepiece assembly is connected in parallel with at least a portionof said handle.
 27. A handbag comprising: a body having a selectivelyopenable top; a part of a closure element extending from said body; anda timepiece having at least one strap extending from said selectivelyopenable top and further having another part of said closure element,wherein said part of said closure element and said another part of saidclosure element engage each other when said selectively openable top isin a closed condition.
 28. The handbag of claim 27 wherein saidtimepiece comprises two straps.
 29. A handbag comprising: a body havinga selectively openable top; a closure strap extending from saidselectively openable top; a timepiece coupled to a timepiece bandthereby forming a timepiece assembly, wherein said timepiece assembly isremovably attachable to said closure strap.
 30. A handbag comprising: abody having a surface, at least a portion of said surface having apattern; and a timepiece attached to said body, a face of said timepiecehaving a pattern that is coordinated with said pattern of said surfaceof said body.
 31. The handbag of claim 30 wherein said timepiece patternis printed.
 32. The handbag of claim 30 wherein said pattern of saidtimepiece comprises an alphanumeric symbol.
 33. The handbag of claim 30wherein said pattern of said timepiece matches at least a portion ofsaid pattern of said handbag body surface.
 34. The handbag of claim 30wherein said handbag body surface pattern comprises at least onealphanumeric symbol and wherein said pattern of said timepiece comprisesat least one alphanumeric symbol, and wherein said respective symbols ofsaid respective surfaces cooperate to form an alphanumeric pattern. 35.The handbag of claim 34 wherein said alphanumeric pattern comprises anEnglish word.
 36. The handbag of claim 34 wherein said alphanumericpattern comprises an English word and said printed pattern of saidtimepiece forms the letter “0” within said English word.
 37. The handbagof claim 36 wherein said handbag body surface pattern comprises theletters “L”, “V”, and “E”.
 38. A handbag comprising: a body, said bodyhaving a length extending from a first end of said body to a second endof said body; an inner collar adaptable to connect said first end tosaid second end; and a timepiece forming part of said inner collar. 39.The handbag of claim 38 wherein said inner collar is operative to securesaid first end to said second end.
 40. The handbag of claim 38 whereinsaid inner collar is operative, when connected to both said ends, toprovide a compact profile for said body of said handbag.
 41. The handbagof claim 38 wherein said inner collar comprises: a first gusset attachedto said first end; a second gusset attached to said second end; and anattachment device operable to secure said first gusset to said secondgusset.
 42. The handbag of claim 38 wherein said attachment device is abuckle.
 43. The handbag of claim 41 wherein said timepiece is disposedbetween said first gusset and said second gusset.
 44. The handbag ofclaim 38 wherein said inner collar comprises: a first gusset attached tosaid first end; and a second gusset attached to said second end, whereinsaid timepiece is connected between said first gusset and said secondgusset.
 45. The handbag of claim 44 wherein said timepiece comprises: afirst strap portion connected to said first gusset; and a second strapportion connected to said second gusset.
 46. The handbag of claim 41wherein said first and second gussets are attached to an exterior ofsaid body of said handbag.
 47. The handbag of claim 41 wherein saidfirst and second gussets are attached to an interior of said body ofsaid handbag.
 48. The handbag of claim 38 wherein said body has a widthextending from a first side of said body to a second side of said body,the handbag further comprising: a lateral strap adaptable to connectsaid first side to said second side.
 49. The handbag of claim 38 whereinsaid strap comprises: a first strap portion attached to said first side;a second strap portion attached to said second side; and at least oneattachment device operable to connect said first strap portion to saidsecond strap portion.
 50. The handbag of claim 49 wherein said at leastone attachment device comprises at least one snap.
 51. The handbag ofclaim 49 wherein said at least one attachment device comprises at leastone buckle.
 52. The handbag of claim 49 wherein said at least oneattachment device comprises at least one hook-and-loop connector.